Collected by Parler Mrs. Ruby Abel
Huntsville, Ark. August 12, 1958
Reel 308, Item 15
"J W Holcomb lived from March 24, 1844 to September 22, 1907. He was put in prison during the Civil War, and while in prison he composed this song. I got this song from his son, Monroe Holcomb, who is now 84, in 1958."
Sometimes I get a bite of beef,
About an ounce and a half,
Picked from the bones of some old cow,
I'm sure it wasn't a calf.
If ever I do escape them,
To catch me they'll have fun,
They nevermore will capture me While I've a loaded gun.